# Essential Histories

Essential Histories est une série de l’éditeur britannique Osprey qui s’attache à décrire les origines, les implications politiques, les combats et les répercussions de conflits à la fois d’un point de vue militaire mais aussi civil. Près de 3 000 ans de conflits humains sont décrits, depuis les guerres puniques jusqu’à la récente invasion de l’Irak.

## Description

La série fait appel à des cartes en couleurs, à des schémas ainsi qu’à des photographies complétant des dessins.
Les volumes Essential Histories Specials regroupent en un seul volume les exemplaires de Essential Histories consacrés à un même sujet. Chaque volume étudie donc les origines, les implications politiques, les combats et les répercussions de grands conflits en se plaçant sur un plan militaire mais aussi civil.

## Journalistes

Parmi les journalistes ayant contribué à Essential Histories figurent Gregory Fremont-Barnes, Alastair Finlan, Daniel Marston, Geoffrey Jukes, Stephen Turnbull, Charles M. Robinson III (en), David Nicolle, Efraim Karsh, Peter Cottrell, Peter Simkins, Philip de Souza, Todd Fisher

## Publications

* Liste détaillée des numéros de Essential Histories
* Essential Histories 1, janvier 2001 - The Crusades, par David Nicolle Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Christendon and Islam in the 11$^{th}$ century Warring sides: Byzantines, Turks, Crusaders and Saracens Outbreak: The First Crusade The fighting: Crusade and jihad Portrait of a soldier: Brothers in arms - two crusaders - two fursan The world around war: The impact of the Crusades on the Mediterannean and beyond Portrait of a civilian: A saint, a lady, a rabbi and a scholar How the war ended: The rise of the Mamluks and the fall of the Crusader state Conclusion and consequences: The failure of an idea and the rebirth of Islamic expansion
* Essential Histories 2, janvier 2001 - The Crimean War. 1854–1856, par John Sweetman Sommaire : Chronology Background to war: Panorama of the conflict Warring sides: Opposing forces Outbreak: A just war The fighting: The clash of arms Portrait of a soldier: Captain Lewis Edward Nolan Portrait of a civilian: Women at war How the war ended: Guns fall silent Conclusion and consequences: Counting the cost
* Essential Histories 3, janvier 2001 - The Napoleonic Wars (1). The rise of the Emperor 1805–1807, par Todd Fisher Sommaire : Chronology Background to war: A temporary peace Warring sides: The armies prepare The fighting: From Ulm to the treaty of Tilsit Portrait of a soldier: Lanes, marshal of France The world around war: Art in the Empire Portrait of a musician at war: Philippe-René Girault Conclusion and consequences Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 4, janvier 2001 - The American Civil War (1). The war in the East 1861–May 1863, par Gary Gallagher Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Societal tensions divide the United Stages 1820-1860 Outbreak: Election - Southern secession - creation of the Confederacy - Warring sides: Strengths and weaknesses of the Union and the Confederacy The fighting: From First Manassas to Chancellorsville Common soldiers: Federals and Confederates in camp and battle Portrait of a soldier: Robert Augustus Moor, a Confederate soldier The world around war: Northern and Southern society adjusts to the demands of war Portrait of a civilian: Elizabeth Herndon Maury on the Virginia home front How the period ended: An uncertain future
* Essential Histories 5, juillet 2001 - The American Civil War (3). The war in the East 1863–1865, par Robert Krick Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Warring sides: From innocents to warriors The fighting: The war without Jackson to Lee's last stand Portrait of a soldier: McHenry Howard's war The world around war: 'This horrid and senseless war' Portrait of a civilian: Ella Washington and the Federal Army How the war ended: From Appomattox to Liverpool Conclusion and consequences: Recovery and reconstruction
* Essential Histories 6, juillet 2001 - The Seven Years' War, par Daniel Marston Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Old enemies, new friends Warring sides: Linear and irregular warfare Outbreak: The gathering storm The fighting: World war Portrait of a soldier: A soldier of the British 68$^{th}$ Regiment of Foot The world around war: The civilian and economic cost Portrait of a civilian: The nun’s story· How the war ended Conclusion and consequences: Ramifications for the future Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 7, septembre 2001 - The French Revolutionary Wars, par Gregory Fremont-Barnes Sommaire : Introduction chronology Background to war: Historic rivalries Warring sides: Opposing strengths Outbreak: A clash of ideologies The fighting : The first and second coalitions Portrait of a sailor: William Dillon - a midshipman in the Royal Navy The world around war: The impact of conflict Portrait of a civilian: Emma Hamilton - British Ambassadress at Naples How the war ended: Hohenlinden and Copenhagen Conclusion and consequences
* Essential Histories 8, septembre 2001 - The Korean War, par Carter Malkasian Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Two Koreas, the Superpowers and China Outbreak: The Communists strike The fighting: Avoiding a third world war Portrait of a soldier: Patrolling, raiding and digging The world around war: The domestic and international impact Portrait of a civilian: Kyonshill Kang How the war ended: Closing moves Conclusion and consequences The significance of the Korean War in the history of warfare
* Essential Histories 9, septembre 2001 - The Napoleonic Wars (2). The empires fight back 1808–1812, par Todd Fisher Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Mutiny and defiance Warring sides: France, Austria and Russia The fighting: The Austrian campaign and the march on Moscow Portrait of a soldier: Barclay de Tolly and Jacob Walter The world around war: Vienna Portrait of a civilian: Louise Fusil How the period ended: Napoleon under pressure Conclusion and consequences
* Essential Histories 10, septembre 2001 - The American Civil War (2). The war in the West 1861–July 1863, par Stephen Engle Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Warring sides: The North and South compared Outbreak : A nation at war· The fighting: Struggle for the heartland Common soldiers: Billy Reb and Johnny Yank at war Portrait of a soldier: John Beatty, a Union soldier The world around war: Societies at war Portrait of a civilian: Kate Stone, a Confederate civilian How the war ended: The promise of summer
* Essential Histories 11, novembre 2001 - The American Civil War (4). The war in the West 1863–1865, par Joseph T. Glatthaar Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Warring sides: War takes its toll The fighting: Overview and final stages Common soldiers: Black soldiers and POWs Portrait of a soldier :William Wilbur Edgerton The world around war: The home fronts Portrait of a civilian: Emma LeConte How the war ended: Peace is declared Conclusion and consequences: United States
* Essential Histories 12, novembre 2001 - Campaigns of the Norman Conquest, par Matthew Bennett Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Danes, Normans and the English royal succession Warring sides: Harold and William - the war lords Outbreak: Preparations and motivations The fighting: Two invasions, one conquest Portrait of a soldier: Viking legend, English patriot, and two Norman earls The world around war: Politics, strategy, the Church and administration Portrait of a civilian: Three bishops and a queen How the war ended: The Conqueror's reign Conclusion and consequences: The English experience - law, culture and society
* Essential Histories 13, janvier 2002 - The First World War (1). The Eastern Front 1914–1918, par Geoffrey Jukes Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Warring sides: Russia, Germany and Austria-Hungary The fighting: From war to revolution Portrait of a soldier: A trooper, an ensign and a sergeant The world around war: The last days of Tsarist Russia Portrait of a civilian:'Living on cereals and porridge' How the war ended: The Bolsheviks seize power Conclusion and consequences: The emergence of a superpower
* Essential Histories 14, janvier 2002 - The First World War (2). The Western Front 1914–1916, par Peter Simkins Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The road to war Warring sides: The opposing armies Outbreak: Countdown to war The fighting: War on the Western Front 1914-1916 Portrait of a soldier: Private Archie Surfleet The world around war: The home fronts 1914-1916 Portrait of a civilian: Winnifred Adair Roberts How the period ended: No end in sight
* Essential Histories 15, février 2002 - The Falklands War 1982, par Duncan Anderson Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Tango and tea dance - Argentine and British misperceptions Warring sides : Race to the islands - Argentina and Britain deploy their forces Outbreak:'Gotcha!' The sinking of the Belgrano The fighting: From 'Bomb Alley' to Mount Harriet Portrait of a soldier: Comrades and companeros The world around war: Preparing for the Third World War Portrait of a civilian: An islander's ordeal - The diary of John Smith How the war ended: The mind of Menendez Conclusion and consequences: Thatcher's triumph - it was a famous victory
* Essential Histories 16, février 2002 - The Punic Wars 264–146 BC, par Nigel Bagnall Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war : Two great Mediterranean powers Warring sides: Carthaginian and Roman forces on land and sea Outbreak: Collapse of the Third Treaty of Friendship The fighting: The three Punic Wars Portrait of a soldier: Hannibal Barcid and Scipio Africanus The world around war: The political, social and economic impact Portrait of a civilian: Carthaginian trade; a Roman senator Conclusion and consequences: Expansionism and the disposition for war Glossary of names Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 17, mars 2002 - The Napoleonic Wars (3). The Peninsular War 1807–1814, par Gregory Fremont-Barnes Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Perennial foes - Britain, France and Spain Warring sides: Opposing forces Outbreak: Origins of the conflict The fighting: A war of contrasts Portrait of a soldier: Private Edward Costello, 95$^{th}$ Rifles The world around war: The artistic works of Francisco Goya Portrait of a civilian: George Canning How the war ended: Anti-climax - the campaign of 1814 Conclusion and consequences: Losses, lessons and legacy
* Essential Histories 18, mars 2002 - The Second World War (1). The Pacific, par David Horner Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The expansion of Imperial Japan, 1891-1941 Warring sides: Poweful Japan faced certain defeat Outbreak: The slide towards inevitable war The fighting: The course of the Pacific War Portrait of a soldier: Thomas Currie Derrick, an Australian soldier The world around war: A clash of cultures and races Portrait of a civilian: Gwen Harold Terasaki, an American in Japan How the war ended: Not necessarily to Japan's advantage Conclusion and consequences: How the War transformed the Asia-Pacific
* Essential Histories 19, novembre 2002 - The Hundred Years’ War. 1337–1453, par Anne Curry Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: England and France at peace and war - 1259-1328 Warring sides: English and French monarchies on the eve of the Hundred Years' War Outbreak: Mounting tensions 1336-37 The fighting: The Hundred Years' War a narrative Portrait of a soldier: Bertrand du Guesclin; companions in arms - Andrew Trollope and Osbern Mundeford The world around war: War cruel and sharp Portrait of a civilian: Christine de Pizan How the war ended: The loss of Normandy and Gascony Conclusion and consequences: A defining moment in history?
* Essential Histories 20, avril 2002 - The Iran–Iraq War 1980–1988, par Efraim Karsh Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war : The quest for the empire of God Warring sides: Strengths and weaknesses of Iran and Iraq Outbreak: Invasion and after The fighting: The delicate balance of incompetence Portrait of a soldier: Iran's boy soldiers The world around war: Nations at war Portrait of a civilian: Death of a village How the war ended: The poisoned chalice Conclusion and consequences: A costly exercise in futility
* Essential Histories 21, novembre 2002 - Rome at War AD 293–696, par Michael Whitby Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Controlling the empire Warring sides: Inside and outside the empire Outbreak: Creating crisis The fighting: Challenges to empire Portraits of soldiers: Brothers in arms The world around war: Impact of conflict Portraits of civilians: Notable individuals How the war ended: making new boundaries Conclusion and consequences: Roman legacies Further reading ·Index
* Essential Histories 22, juin 2002 - The First World War (3). The Western Front 1917–1918, par Peter Simkins Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Strategic choices for 1917 Warring sides: The opposing armies The fighting: War on the Western Front 1917-1918 Portrait of a soldier: Private Frederick 'Fen' Noakes The world around war: The home fronts 1917-1918 Portrait of a civilian: Caroline Webb How the war ended: The final month
* Essential Histories 23, juillet 2002 - The First World War (4). The Mediterranean Front 1914–1923, par Michael Hickey Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The road to war Warring sides: The opposing armies Outbreak: Countdown to war The fighting: War in the Mediterranean Portrait of a soldier: Cecil, Harold and Noel Wright The world around war: The loose ends of war Portrait of a civilian: War on the home front How the war ended: End of the tragedy Conclusion and consequences: Aftermaths
* Essential Histories 24, juillet 2002 - The Second World War (5). The Eastern Front 1941–1945, par Geoffrey Jukes Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: A dictators' deal and a double-cross Warring sides: Germany gambles on a quick win Outbreak: Germany achieves surprise The fighting: Red Army battered but not beaten Portrait of a soldier: The German and the Russian view The world around war: Propaganda, Lend-Lease and land grabs Portrait of a civilian: 'We were as mobilised as the soldiers' How the war ended: Germany surrenders, Stalin joins the war on Japan Conclusion and consequences: From alliance to Cold War
* Essential Histories 25, juillet 2002 - The Mexican War 1846–1848, par Douglas V Meed Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Different cultures collide Warring sides: Courage the only common trait Outbreak: Opening guns The fighting: War across the continent Portrait of a soldier: U.S. Grant - from the depths to the heights The world around war: Progress and stagnation Portrait of a civilian: Mary Ann Maverick - a Texas pioneer How the war ended: The Halls of Montezuma Conclusion and consequences: A new Colossus is born
* Essential Histories 26, juillet 2002 - The Wars of Alexander the Great. 336–323 BC, par Waldemar Heckel Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The decline of the city-states and the rise of Macedon Warring sides: The Persians, the Macedonians and allied troops Outbreak: Alexander’s rise to power The fighting: Alexander conquers an empire Portrait of a soldier : Two generals and a satrap The world around war: Rome, Carthage and India Portrait of a civilian: A historian, athletes and courtesans How the war ended: The death of Alexander Conclusion and consequences: The struggle for succession Further reading Glossary Index
* Essential Histories 27, novembre 2002 - The Peloponnesian War 431–404 BC, par Philip de Souza Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The rise of Athens Warring sides: Athens and Sparta Outbreak: Fear and suspicion lead to war The fighting: The first twenty years Portrait of a soldier: A ship’s captain at war The world around war: Politics and culture Portrait of a civilian: Hipparete, an Athenian citizen woman How the war ended: The fall of Athens Conclusion and consequences: The triumph of Sparta? Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 28, août 2002 - The Arab-Israeli Conflict. The Palestine War 1948, par Efraim Karsh Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war; The burden of history Warring sides: Strengths and weaknesses of Arabs and Jews Outbreak : 'The Arabs of Palestine will never submit to partition' The fighting: From inter-communal strife to inter-state war Portrait of a soldier: Trapped on the battlefield The world around war: The great game Portrait of a civilian: Leaving Jerusalem How the war ended: From ceasefire to armistice Conclusion and consequences: Perpetuating the Arab-Israeli conflict
* Essential Histories 29, août 2002 - The Thirty Years' War 1618–1648, par Richard Bonney Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The making of alliances Warring sides: Protestand divisions and unifying issues in the Catholic alliance Outbreak:The Bohemian rebellion 1618-1648 The fighting: War in Germany 1621-1648 Portrait of a soldier: The Mercenaries The world around war: The impact of war Portrait of a civilian: Witness accounts How the war ended: Negotiating for the future Conclusion and consequences: A permanent settlement?
* Essential Histories 30, août 2002 - The Second World War (3). The war at sea, par Alastair Finlan, Mark J Grove et Philip D Grove Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The Second World War Warring sides: Reluctant adversaries Outbreak: Opening moves The fighting: Across the world's seas Portrait of a soldier: Peter Herbert Owen, Royal Navy midshipman The world around war: The impact of war Portrait of a civilian: John Delaney-Nash, merchant mariner How the war ended: The German fleet is scuttled Conclusion and consequences: The price of admiralty
* Essential Histories 31, août 2002 - The Russo-Japanese War 1904–1905, par Geoffrey Jukes Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Russia's foothold in the Far East Warring sides: Relative strengths of Russia and Japan Outbreak : The strike on Port Arthur The fighting: Russian might and Japanese manoeuvres Portrait of a soldier : Russia's harsh reality The world around war: Russian defeats add to domestic unrest Portrait of a civilian: The impact on neutral China Conclusion and consequences: Witte woos the US public
* Essential Histories 32, septembre 2002 - The Second World War (6). Northwest Europe 1944–1945, par Russell Hart et Stephen A Hart Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The road to D-Day Warring sides: A military audit Outbreak : The Allies invade France The fighting: From D-Day to victory Portrait of a soldier: Donald Burgett The world around war: Rationing and retaliation Portrait of a civilian: Brenda McBryde How the war ended: The road to VE Day Conclusion and consequences: 'The most devastating and costly war'
* Essential Histories 33, septembre 2002 - Byzantium at War. AD 600–1453, par John Haldon Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war : The political world of Byzantium Warring sides: Neighbours and enemies Outbreak: Why and how did Byzantium fight wars? The fighting: Organising for war Portrait of a soldier: Recruitment, discipline, and life on campaign The world around war: War and peace Portrait of a civilian: Matrios - a farmer How the wars ended: Death of an empire Conclusion and consequences: War, peace, and survival Further reading Byzantine rulers AD 527–1453 Index
* Essential Histories 34, septembre 2002 - The French Wars 1667–1714. The Sun King at war, par John A. Lynn Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Themes of Louis's international policy Warring sides: States, armies, navies and warfare Outbreak: Drawing the sword The fighting: The campaigns for gloire Portrait of a soldier: Marie Magdelaine Mouron The world around war: Predatory armies Portrait of a civilian: Mme De Sevigne How the war ended: Peace by exhaustion Conclusion and consequences: The legacies of war
* Essential Histories 35, septembre 2002 - The Second World War (2). Europe 1939–1943, par Robin Havers Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The gathering storm Warring sides: The road to war Outbreak: 'I have determined on a solution by force' The fighting: Hitler strikes Portrait of a soldier: Donald Edgar The world around war: The home front Portrait of a civilian: Colin Perry How the war ended: The end of the beginning Conclusion and consequences: A world at war
* Essential Histories 36, janvier 2003 - The Greek and Persian Wars 499–386 BC, par Philip de Souza Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The coming of the Persian Warring sides: Persia, Sparta and Athens Outbreak: Dareios sends an expedition to Greece The fighting: Xerxes’ invasion of Greece Portrait of a soldier: Aristodemos the Spartan The world around war: Persian architecture Portraits of civilians: Demakedes and Demartos How the war ended: The Greeks attack the Persian Empire Conclusion and consequences: The Peloponnesian War Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 37, octobre 2002 - The Spanish Civil War. 1936–1939, par Frances Lannon Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war : The democratic experiment Outbreak: From the Popular Front to Civil War Warring sides: Spain divides The fighting: War, revolution and international involvement Portrait of a soldier: Front line volunteers The world around war: Two Spains Portrait of a civilian: Women and war: two memoirs How the war ended: Franco’s victory Conclusion and consequences: The Spanish Civil War in perspective Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 38, novembre 2002 - The Vietnam War 1956–1975, par Andrew Wiest Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The Cold War Warring sides: Superpower verus guerrilla forces Outbreak: An undeclared war The fighting: Battles of attrition Portrait of a soldier: John Young The world around war: A nation divided Portrait of a civilian: Kim Herzinger How the war ended: US withdrawal Conclusion and consequences: Legacies of victory and defeat
* Essential Histories 39, octobre 2002 - The Napoleonic Wars (4). The fall of the French empire 1813–1815, par Gregory Fremont-Barnes Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Origins of Prussian and Russian hostility Warring sides: Opposing forces Outbreak: A bid for revenge The fighting: The 'War of German Liberation' and the invasion of France Portrait of a soldier: Captain Cavalie Mercer, Royal Horse Artillery The world around war: London - splendour and squalor Portrait of a civilian: Lord Castlereagh, British Foreign Secretary How the war ended: Denouement at Waterloo Conclusion and consequences: Europe restored and the Napoleonic legacy
* Essential Histories 40, novembre 2009 - The Anglo-Afghan Wars 1839–1919, par Gregory Fremont-Barnes
* Essential Histories 41, octobre 2002 - The War of 1812, par Carl Benn Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: A small war with complex causes Warring sides: Soldiers, sailors and warriors Outbreak: America sets its sights on Canada The fighting: The war on land and at sea Portrait of a soldier: Black Hawk's war The world around war: Propaganda and protest Portrait of a civilian: John Strachan's war How the war ended: The peace of Christmas Eve Conclusion and consequences: The world's longest undefended border?
* Essential Histories 42, octobre 2002 - Caesar's Civil War. 49–44 BC, par Adrian Goldsworthy Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The First Triumvirate Warring sides: Legion against legion Outbreak: Crossing the Rubicon The fighting: Civil War Portrait of a soldier : Caesar’s centurions The world around war: A Mediterranean war Portrait of a civilian: Cicero and the Civil War How the war ended: The Ides of March Conclusion and consequences: Civil Wars and the end of the Republic Glossary Further Reading Index
* Essential Histories 43, novembre 2002 - Caesar's Gallic Wars. 58–50 BC, par Kate Gilliver Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war : Building an empire Warring sides: Discipline vs. spectacle Outbreak: The migration of the Helvetii The fighting: Invasion, siege and conquest Portrait of a soldier: Caesar’s centurions The world around war: The impact of the conflict Portrait of a civilian: Roman merchants How the war ended: Roman triumphs Conclusion and consequences: Pax Romana Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 44, novembre 2002 - The French-Indian War 1754–1760, par Daniel Marston Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Tension in the Ohio River Valley Warring sides: The French and British Armies in North America Outbreak: Entry of the regular soldiers The fighting: War of the forest and fortress Portrait of a soldier: Joshua Goodenough - a Roger's Ranger The world around war: The economic and civilian costs Portrait of a civilian: Jean Lowry and Titus King How the war ended: Treaty of Paris and the Indian uprising Conclusion and consequences: Ramifications for the future
* Essential Histories 45, novembre 2002 - The American Revolution 1774–1783, par Daniel Marston Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Colonial agitation Warring sides: Linear and irregular warfare Outbreak: Shot heard round the world The fighting Portrait of a soldier: Massachusetts professional The world around war: War on the homefront Portrait of a civilian: Boston loyalist How the war ended: Stalemate Conclusion and consequences: Influence of the American Revolution
* Essential Histories 46, août 2002 - War in Japan 1467–1615, par Stephen Turnbull Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Loyalty to the shogun collapses Warring sides: Rival samurai armies Outbreak: The age of fission The fighting: Samurai at war Portrait of a soldier: Kato Kiyomasa The world around war: The end of the farmer-warrior Portrait of a civilian: Sen Rikyu How the war ended: The triumph of the Tokugawa Conclusion and consequences: Japan closes its doors
* Essential Histories 47, juin 2002 - The French Religious Wars 1562–1598, par Robert Jean Knecht Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war; Religious dissent and aristocratic discontent Warring sides: The Crown and the Huguenots Outbreak: The first war (2 April 1562-12 March 1563) The fighting: From the 'Surprise de Meaux' to the siege of Rouen Portrait of a soldier: Two soldier writers, one Huguenot captain The world around war: The impact of the Wars of Religion on France's neighbours Portrait of a civilian: a lawyer, a surgeon and a pastor How the war ended: Henry IV's conversion Conclusion and consequences
* Essential Histories 48, février 2003 - The Second World War (4). The Mediterranean 1940–1945, par Paul Collier Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Italian imperialism Warring sides: Italian propaganda, German professionalism and Allied industiralization Outbreak: A parallel war The fighting: In all directions at once Portrait of a soldier: A modest hero The world around war: Politics and war Portrait of a civilian: A child in the siege of annihilation: malta 1940–43 How the war ended: Not necessarily in peace Conclusion and consequences: The end of empire Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 49, mars 2003 - The Suez Crisis 1956, par Derek Varble Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The Suez Crisis and its military implications Warring sides: Diversity in capabilities, doctrine, and leadership Outbreak: Britain, France and Israel contemplate forceful resolution The fighting: Crisis becomes war Portrait of a soldier: Israeli commandos How the war ended: Britain and France abandon revise Portrait of a civilian: Destruction in Egypt and Gaza Conclusion and consequences: A transitional conflict Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 50, mars 2005 - The Texas War of Independence 1835–1836. From Outbreak to the Alamo to San Jacinto, par Alan C Huffines Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war Warring sides Outbreak The fighting Portrait of a soldier The world around war Portrait of a civilian How the war ended Conclusion and consequences
* Essential Histories 51, mars 2003 - The Franco-Prussian War 1870–1871, par Stephen Badsey Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The Germans and the French Warring sides: The nations in arms Outbreak: The Ems telegram The fighting: The invasion of France Portrait of a soldier: Captain Léonce Patry The world around war: The people’s war Portrait of a civilian: Mr Archibald Forbes How the war ended: The Paris Commune Conclusion and consequences: The war in history Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 52, avril 2003 - The Boer War 1899–1902, par Gregory Fremont-Barnes Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: Historical roots of the conflict Warring sides: Opposing forces Outbreak: Spoiling for a fight The fighting: Briton versus Boer Portrait of a soldier: Deneys Reitz The world around war: Imperial apogee Portrait of a civilian: Emily Hobhouse How the war ended: Vereeniging Conclusion and consequences: Cost, lessons and legacy Glossary Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 53
* Essential Histories 54, avril 2003 - The Wars of the Roses. 1455–1485, par Michael Hicks Sommaire : Introduction and chronology Background to war : Collapsing regimes Warring sides: Part-timers, professionals, and people Outbreak: Force for change The fighting: Dash to battle Portrait of a soldier: Nicholas Harpsfield The world around war : Life goes on Portrait of civilians: Female victims How the war ended: Decisive victories Conclusion and consequences: Return to normality Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 55, mai 2003 - The Gulf War 1991, par Alastair Finlan Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The origins of the Gulf War Warring sides: Iraq and the coalition forces Outbreak: Saddam invades Kuwait The fighting Portrait of a soldier: Lieutenant Alex Vernon, 24$^{th}$ Infantry Division (Mechanised) The world around war Portrait of a civilian: Dina’s story How the war ended Conclusion and consequences: Casualties Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 56, août 2003 - The Zulu War 1879, par Ian Knight Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The Zulu kingdom Warring sides Outbreak: British invasion plans The fighting: The January battles Portrait of a soldier: Fighting for the empire The world around war: reaction to the war Portrait of a civilian: Zulu attitudes towards the war How the war ended: Renewed offensives Conclusion and consequences: Pacifying Zululand Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 57, juillet 2003 - Genghis Khan & the Mongol Conquests 1190–1400, par Stephen Turnbull Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war : The rise of the Mongols Warring sides: The Mongol army Outbreak: Beyond the steppes The fighting: Building an empire Portrait of a soldier: Subadai Ba’adur (c1176–1248) The world around war : Terror and reality Portrait of a civilian: The sage Changchun 1148–1227 How the war ended: The jungle frontiers Conclusion and consequences: The Mongol legacy Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 58, août 2003- The English Civil Wars 1642–1651, par Peter Gaunt Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: The causes and origins of the English Civil Wars Outbreak: Charles I and the descent into war in three kingdoms, 1625–42 Warring sides: Raising the armies, 1642 The fighting: The English Civil War, 1642–46 Portrait of a soldier: Soldiers’ stories The world around war: The wider context Portrait of a civilian: Civilians’ stories How the war ended: The failure of peace and the renewal of war, 1646–49 Conclusion and consequences: The legacy of the Civil Wars Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 59, septembre 2003 - The Plains Wars 1757–1900, par Charles M Robinson III Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war: North and South Warring sides Outbreak The fighting: Battle on the Plains Portrait of a soldier: Survivors The world around war Portrait of a civilian: Women and children Conclusion and consequences Principal Indian characters Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 60, avril 2004 - The Spanish Invasion of Mexico 1519–1521, par Charles M Robinson III Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war Warring sides Outbreak The fighting Portrait of a soldier The world around war Portrait of a civilian How the war ended Conclusion and consequences
* Essential Histories 61, mai 2010 - The Chinese Civil War 1945–49, par Michael Lynch Sommaire : Introduction The Two Sides – Nationalists and Communists The Great Protagonists – Chiang Kaishek and Mao Zedong The Fighting The Set Pieces Mao’s Red Chiang’s Forces Outside Involvement The Climax Why the war was won and lost Further Reading Index
* Essential Histories 62, octobre 2003 - The Ottoman Empire 1326–1699, par Stephen Turnbull Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war Warring sides Outbreak The fighting Portrait of a soldier The world around war Portrait of a civilian How the war ended Conclusion and consequences
* Essential Histories 63, novembre 2004 - The Collapse of Yugoslavia 1991–1999, par Alastair Finlan Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war Outbreak Warring sides The fighting Portrait of a soldier The world around war Portrait of a civilian How the war ended Conclusion and consequences
* Essential Histories 64
* Essential Histories 65, mars 2006 - The Anglo-Irish War. The Troubles of 1913–1922, par Peter Cottrell Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to War Warring Sides Outbreak The fighting Portrait of a soldier The world around war Portrait of a civilian How the war ended Conclusions and consequences Bibliography Index
* Essential Histories 66, novembre 2006 - The Wars of the Barbary Pirates. To the shores of Tripoli: the rise of the US Navy and Marines, par Gregory Fremont-Barnes Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to War Warring States Outbreak The Fighting Portrait of a Sailor The World Around War Portrait of a Civilian How the Wars Ended Conclusions and Consequences Further Reading Index
* Essential Histories 67, février 2007 - Ancient Israel at War 853–586 BC, par Brad Kelle Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to War Warring Sides Outbreak The Fighting Portrait of a Soldier The World around War Portrait of a Civilian How the War Ended Conclusions and Consequences Further Reading Index
* Essential Histories 68, mai 2007 - The Indian Mutiny 1857–58, par Gregory Fremont-Barnes Introduction Chronology Background to war Warring sides Outbreak The fighting Portrait of a soldier The world around war Portrait of a civilian How the war ended Conclusion and consequences Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 69, novembre 2008 - The Russian Civil War 1918–22, par David Bullock Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to War Warring Sides Outbreak The Fighting Portrait of a Soldier The World Around War Portrait of a Civilian How the War Ended Conclusion and Consequences Further Reading Index
* Essential Histories 70, août 2008 - The Irish Civil War 1922–23, par Peter Cottrell Sommaire : Introduction Chronology Background to war Warring sides Outbreak The fighting Portrait of a soldier The world around war Portrait of a civilian How the war ended Conclusion and consequences Further reading Index
* Essential Histories 71, mai 2009 - The Great Islamic Conquests AD 632–750, par David Nicolle
* Liste détaillée des numéros de Essential Histories Specials
* Essential Histories Specials 1, juin 2003 - The American Civil War. This mighty scourge of war, par Gary Gallagher, Robert Krick et Stephen Engle Sommaire : Introduction Chronology East 1861-63 - Outbreak: Election; southern secession; creation of the confederacy Warring sides: Strengths and weaknesses of the Union and the Confederacy The fighting: From First Manassas to Chancellorsville Common soldiers: Federals and Confederates in camp and battle Portrait of a soldier: Robert Augustus Moore, a Confederate soldier The world around war: Northern and Southern society adjust to the demands of war Portrait of a civilian:Elizabeth Herndon Maury on the Virginia home front How the period ended: An uncertain future West 1861-63 - The fighting: Struggle for the heartland Common soldiers: Billy Yank and Johnny Reb at war Portrait of a soldier: John Beatty, a Union soldier Portrait of a civilian: Kate Stone, a Confederate civilian How the period ended: The promise of summer East 1863-65 - The fighting: The war without Jackson to Lee's last stand Portrait of a soldier: McHenry Howard's war The world around war: 'This horrid and senseless war' Portrait of a civilian: Ella Washington and the Federal Army How the period ended: From Appomattox to Liverpool West 1863-65 - The fighting: Overview and final stages Common soldiers: Black soldiers and POWs Portrait of a soldier: William Wilbur Edgerton Portrait of a civilian: Emma LeConte How the war ended: Peace is declared Conclusion and consequences: United States
* Essential Histories Specials 2, septembre 2003 - The First World War. The war to end all wars, par Geoffrey, Jukes Peter Simkins Michael Hickey Sommaire : Introduction Chronology The Western Front 1914–16 The road to war Countdown to war The Schlieffen Plan War on the Western Front 1914–16 Private Archie Surfleet The Home Fronts 1914–16 Winnifred Adair Roberts How the period ended The Western Front 1917–18 Strategic choices for 1917 War on the Western Front 1917–18 Private Frederick 'Fen' Noakes The Home Fronts 1917–18 Caroline Webb How the war on the Western Front ended The Eastern Front 1914–18 Russian ambitions From war to revolution Portrait of a trooper, an ensign and a sergeant 'Living on cereals and porridge' How the war in the East ended The Mediterranean 1914–23 The decline of the Ottoman Empire The Mediterranean Front 1914–23 Cecil, Harold and Noel Wright The loose ends of war The village of Christleton How the war in the Mediterranean ended Conclusion and consequences
* Essential Histories Specials 3, mars 2004 - The Second World War. A world in flames, par Geoffrey Jukes Russell Hart Max Hastings Sommaire : Europe 1939-1943 The War at Sea The Mediterranean 1940-1945 The Pacific The Eastern Front 1941-1945 Northwest Europe 1944-1945
* Essential Histories Specials 4, avril 2004 - The Napoleonic Wars. The rise and fall of an empire, par Todd Fisher et Gregory Fremont-Barnes Sommaire : The rise of the Emperor 1805-1807 The empires fight back 1808-1812 The Peninsular War 1807-1814 The fall of the French empire 1813-1815
* Essential Histories Specials 5, août 2004 - The Greeks at War. From Athens to Alexander, par Philip de Souza, Waldemar Heckel et Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones Sommaire : Foreword Part I: The Greek and Persian Wars 499-386 BC Part II: The Peloponnesian War 431-404 BC Part III: The Wars of Alexander the Great 336-323 BC Bibliography Appendix: Representation of the Ancient Greeks in film and theatre Index
* Essential Histories Specials 6, mars 2005 - Rome at War. Caesar and his legacy, par Kate Gilliver, Michael Whitby et Adrian Goldsworthy Sommaire : Foreword Part I: Caesar’s Gallic Wars 58–50 BC Part 2: Caesar’s Civil War 49–44 BC Part 3: Rome at War AD 293–696
* Essential Histories Specials 7, mars 2006 - Liberty or Death. Wars that forged a nation, par Daniel Marston et Carl Benn Fred Sommaire : Foreword Part I: The French-Indian War 1754–1760 Part II: The American Revolution 1775–1783 Part III: The War of 1812 Bibliography Index